- ORBIT solicitation has been slated for April 2027
- ICE plans an Oct. 29 industry day for interested companies
- DHS’ Troy Edgar and ICE officials will speak at the 2026 Homeland Security Summit
The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement has outlined plans for Outcome-Based Rapid Business Integration and Technology, or ORBIT, a planned multiple-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for enterprise IT services valued at over $100 million.
As ICE moves to modernize its enterprise IT delivery, DHS and industry leaders will gather at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 10. DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar will deliver the opening keynote, and ICE officials Robert Thorne, Russ Hott and Matthew Elliston will join panel discussions on homeland security operations, emerging threats and public-private collaboration. Save your seat now to hear from DHS leaders.
According to a notice published Thursday on the Acquisition Planning Forecast System, ICE expects to release a solicitation on April 1, 2027.
What Is ORBIT?
ORBIT is the next iteration of ICE’s enterprise IT contract vehicle, previously known as Scalable Ways to Initiate Flexible Tasks, or SWIFT. The agency renamed the vehicle as it shifted from platform-specific task orders toward continuously building, connecting and improving technical capabilities across its IT environment. Under ORBIT, ICE plans to manage data, artificial intelligence, platforms and collaboration together rather than separately to better support its wider operations.
ICE describes the change as an update to SWIFT rather than a full overhaul, retaining its enterprisewide scope, multiple-award competition and flexible task ordering.
The program rests on four pillars:
- Mission alignment: The tagline “Align. Integrate. Deliver.” reflects the agency’s aim of connecting technology to measurable mission results.
- Results-driven delivery: ICE plans to replace fixed oversight with adaptable service-level agreements linked to performance and business outcomes.
- Functional streams: Work will be organized by mission area, including mission platforms, super intelligence and automation, enterprise data, digital experience and portfolio integration.
- Continuity: ORBIT will cover operations and maintenance and continued enhancements for all products developed under SWIFT.
What Are the Details of the Proposed ORBIT Contract?
ICE will compete ORBIT as a follow-on indefinite-delivery contract with a combination contract type. The forecast lists no small business set-aside, and the agency has yet to determine a small business program for the vehicle.
The agency anticipates making awards in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027, with work set to be performed in Washington, D.C., through Sept. 29, 2032.
Incumbents on the current vehicle are ICF, Salient/GovCIO, Unissant InDev, Procentrix and Dev Tech.
According to an Oct. 9 notice published on SAM.gov, ICE’s Office of Acquisition Management and Office of the Chief Information Officer will host an industry day on Oct. 29 in Arlington, Virginia, with a virtual option through Microsoft Teams. Agency officials will use the event to brief companies on the ICE mission, the goals of ORBIT and upcoming procurement activities. In-person attendance is capped at the first 50 registered companies, with up to two representatives each.
What Other IT & Data Requirements Is ICE Pursuing?
The proposed ORBIT contract adds to a series of IT and data requirements ICE has pursued in recent months. In September, the agency sought industry input on AI, data and technology strategy capabilities, including sustainment of its STELLA platform.
ICE has forecast a $100 million requirement for intelligence research specialists to support its Enforcement and Removal Operations directorate, with a solicitation estimated for Dec. 10. In July, the agency outlined plans for a follow-on contract worth over $100 million for enterprise IT support services.
On the data analytics front, ICE has planned a potential $100 million blanket purchase agreement for screening and vetting support and a sole-source award to TRM Labs for Homeland Security Task Force analytical support.
